Work

Detection of electrical signals in fungal mycelia in response to external stimuli

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Electrical signaling is a crucial mechanism for intercellular communication across diverse biological systems. Despite evidence of electrical activity in fungal mycelia, a standardized, reproducible method for detecting these signals is lacking. In this study, we developed a novel approach using printed circuit boards with embedded differential electrodes to record extracellular voltage fluctuations in mycelium. By incorporating a Faraday cage and short-time Fourier transform analysis, we minimized noise and extracted relevant frequency patterns. Our findings revealed electrical activity correlated with fungal growth that varied with biocide treatments. The results support the biological origin of these signals, suggesting a role in environmental adaptation. This study provides a robust framework for further exploration of fungal electrophysiology, with implications for understanding signaling mechanisms in mycelial networks.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113484